By the early 1800's, an extensive farming culture had developed along the Fisher River. Gideon Edwards had completed his house by 1799. Slaves were important to plantation life, handling the labor associated with the household and cultivation of more than 2,000 acres. Slaves built the fine federal style house that became the home of Edwards, his wife, Anna Perkins Edwards, and their daughter, Mildred. This sacred burying ground served as the final resting place for more than fifty slaves whose labor supported and enriched the lives of the Edwards and Franklin families. Documentary records preserve their names: Bob, Jacob, Melinda, Isbel, Charles, Sarah, Delsey, Nathan, Dinah, Patty, Squire, Jupeter, Mary, Susanah, Phebee, Anthony, Isom, Tener, Gilley, Genny, Chloe, Anderson, Letia, Henry, Molly, Philis, Linda, Jack, Liberty, Nicey, Dick, Kingston, Haywood, Eliza, Hannah, Isham, Fanny, Jeremiah, Gracey, James, Nelson, Jezbell, Spicey, Bartley, Abby, Lewis, Warren, Dilsy, Ann, Emma, Aubert, Jessy, Jacob, Harry, Phillip, Batter, and Linny.